The artist Francis Bacon (1909-1992) and the writer Samuel Beckett (1906-1989) both convey in their work a sense of foreboding and confinement in bleak, ritualistic spaces. This book identifies many similarities between the spaces and activities they evoke and the initiatory practices of fraternal orders and secret societies that were an integral part of the social landscape of the Ireland experienced by both men during childhood. Many of these Irish societies modelled their ritual structures and symbolism on the Masonic Order. Freemasons use the term 'spurious Freemasonry' to designate those rituals not sanctioned by the Grand Lodge. The Masonic author Albert Mackey argues that the spurious forms were those derived from the various cult practices of the classical world and describes these initiatory practices as 'a course of severe and arduous trials'. This reading of Bacon's and Beckett's work draws on theories of trauma to suggest that there may be a disturbing link between Bacon's stark imagery, Beckett's obscure performances and the unofficial use of Masonic rites.

This text explores the diaries and memoirs of Mary Leadbeater and Dorothea Herbert, both of whom lived in Ireland. Working on the premise that their identities are literary constructions, the author investigates the cultural and existential impulses that motivate their creation.

Embark on an Unparalleled Journey with the Greatest Collection of All Time Prepare to explore the depths of individualism and symbolism with this exceptional 2 Ebook collection, featuring "Anthem" by Ayn Rand and "The Symbolism of Freemasonry" by Albert Gallatin Mackey. Book 1: Anthem by Ayn Rand Enter the dystopian world of "Anthem" by Ayn Rand, where individuality is forbidden and the collective reigns supreme. Follow the journey of Equality 7-2521 as he discovers the power of self-discovery and rebellion against a society that suppresses freedom and creativity. With its exploration of the importance of individualism and the triumph of the human spirit, "Anthem" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers around the world. Book 2: The Symbolism of Freemasonry by Albert Gallatin Mackey Step into the mysterious world of Freemasonry with "The Symbolism of Freemasonry" by Albert Gallatin Mackey. In this illuminating work, Mackey explores the rich symbolism and allegory of Freemasonry, unraveling the hidden meanings behind its rituals, symbols, and teachings. From the square and compass to the apron and trestleboard, "The Symbolism of Freemasonry" offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient traditions and philosophical underpinnings of this enigmatic organization. Experience the Power of Individualism and Symbolic Meaning: Can Ideas Shape the Course of History? Join the Intellectual Adventure! As you delve into the pages of these profound works, ponder the significance of individualism and symbolism in shaping our understanding of the world. Can Ayn Rand's vision of a future society devoid of individuality inspire you to cherish the freedoms we often take for granted? Can Albert Gallatin Mackey's exploration of Freemasonry's symbolism unlock new perspectives on the mysteries of life and the universe? The answers await within this unparalleled collection, inviting you to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. Unlock the Gates of Intellectual Exploration - Begin Your Journey Today!

A selectively comprehensive bibliography of the vast literature about Samuel Beckett's dramatic works, arranged for the efficient and convenient use of scholars on all levels.

The Red Book is C.G. Jung’s record of a period of deep penetration into his unconscious mind in a process that he called ‘active imagination’, undertaken during his mid-life period. Answer to Jung: Making Sense of ‘The Red Book’ provides a close reading of this magnificent yet perplexing text and its fascinating images, and demonstrates that the fantasies in The Red Book are not entirely original, but that their plots, characters and symbolism are remarkably similar to some of the higher degree rituals of Continental Freemasonry. It argues that the fantasies may be memories of a series of terrifying initiatory ordeals, possibly undergone in childhood, using altered or spurious versions of these Masonic rites. It then compares these initiatory scenarios with accounts of ritual trauma that have been reported since the 1980s. This is the first full-length study of The Red Book to focus on the fantasies themselves and provide such an external explanation for them. Sonu Shamdasani describes The Red Book as an incomplete task that Jung left to posterity as a ‘message in a bottle’ that would someday come ashore. Answer to Jung brings its message to shore, providing a coherent, but disturbing, interpretation of each of the fantasies and their accompanying images. Chapters: Chapter 4 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 license.

A legend differs from an historical narrative only in this-that it is without documentary evidence of authenticity. It is the offspring solely of tradition. Its details may be true in part or in whole. There may be no internal evidence to the contrary, or there may be internal evidence that they are altogether false. But neither the possibility of truth in the one case, nor the certainty of falsehood in the other, can remove the traditional narrative from the class of legends. It is a legend simply because it rests on no written foundation. It is oral, and therefore legendary.

This study focuses on the ideas of W.B. Yeats and explores his thinking on a wide range of fundamental subjects. Since opposites are central to Yeats's thought, the book begins with an analysis of this topic. The author then examines Yeats's views on religion, sex and politics, again scrutinising the opposites at play. The author considers Yeats's adherence to various anti-empirical belief systems and the transformation of his view of sex as largely a romantic concern to his later more 'earthy' perspective. Yeats's fundamentally Tory political inclinations are examined alongside his regrettable espousal of eugenics. In the second part of the book Yeats's view of history and of human character in A Vision are analysed. The author discusses Yeats's two versions of 'Sophocles' and his poems on Byzantium. The final chapter on Yeats's style stresses the pervasive use of embedded phrases and of terminal questions in the poems.